Click/Clank when braking
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: The Wasteland
Click/Clank when braking
I just bought an 09 Road King Classic (26,000 miles). Yesterday while out riding I noticed what I would describe as a loud click or a clank when I use the front brake. It seems to be coming from the head light or fork area. It does not do it every time but often enough that it got me to thinking about it. I know the front brake pads are getting thin and need replaced soon but I looked at them and they still have a little bit of material left on them so it's not metal to metal on the rotors.
Could it be the steering head bearings need adjusted? Any other ideas what it could be?
Could it be the steering head bearings need adjusted? Any other ideas what it could be?
If the front brake pads are worn as you say, you're going to have to replace them anyway. Start there and verify everything is torqued properly while doing it (rotors, calipers, etc). Also make sure the front axle nuts are tight. Have seen a few of those lately with the axle clamp on the bottom of the right fork about to fall off.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 310
Likes: 44
From: Out West
Worn front pads moving back & forth will make sounds when the brake is applied. These are the easiest fix so replace them first. Put some anti-squeel stuff on them, helps to keep them in place.
Loose neck bearing tend to "clunk" instead of click but they have to be very loose to make the sounds. Adjusting the neck bearings is not that hard, just takes time & patience... Get a Service Manual if you don't have one.
Also check the tightness of all fasteners on everything on the front end & the wheel bearings as well. There are several areas that can/will make odd noises & it sounds like it is coming from somewhere else.
Just my 2 cents worth......
Loose neck bearing tend to "clunk" instead of click but they have to be very loose to make the sounds. Adjusting the neck bearings is not that hard, just takes time & patience... Get a Service Manual if you don't have one.
Also check the tightness of all fasteners on everything on the front end & the wheel bearings as well. There are several areas that can/will make odd noises & it sounds like it is coming from somewhere else.
Just my 2 cents worth......
Senior Rider
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 251
Likes: 12
From: Vancouver Canada
It's normal
I've got an Electra Glide Classic, also an '09.
It's part of the Brembo brake/Anti- lock system. It's a little annoying but normal.
By the way I have new front brakes I installed myself and it's all torqued dead on; it stops like a dream but it still klunks.
You learn to live with it.
It's part of the Brembo brake/Anti- lock system. It's a little annoying but normal.
By the way I have new front brakes I installed myself and it's all torqued dead on; it stops like a dream but it still klunks.
You learn to live with it.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5,323
Likes: 37
From: NJ
My 09 had a clunk last year whenever front brake was applied.
It was the top steering head nut under the fairing.
You can check to see if it's that by jacking her front end up and have someone sit on the seat while you grab the front forks and pull them toward you and away from you hard to see if you have slop.
I forget what the tq was but it is now more than the 09 manual states. I re torqued it to what the tech told me the new torque was recommended by Harley and have not had a problem since. If memory serves me correctly I personally got almost a full turn out of that steering head nut which told me that yes it loosened up and kept on loosening.
It's been fine (the clunk) ever since.
It was the top steering head nut under the fairing.
You can check to see if it's that by jacking her front end up and have someone sit on the seat while you grab the front forks and pull them toward you and away from you hard to see if you have slop.
I forget what the tq was but it is now more than the 09 manual states. I re torqued it to what the tech told me the new torque was recommended by Harley and have not had a problem since. If memory serves me correctly I personally got almost a full turn out of that steering head nut which told me that yes it loosened up and kept on loosening.
It's been fine (the clunk) ever since.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 443
From: West Tennessee
Friend of mine bought a brand new Street Glide when they first came out 2004??? Second ride the front brake caliper fell off while riding the Natchez Trace Parkway. Make sure your caliper is tight!
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Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: The Wasteland
I've got an Electra Glide Classic, also an '09.
It's part of the Brembo brake/Anti- lock system. It's a little annoying but normal.
By the way I have new front brakes I installed myself and it's all torqued dead on; it stops like a dream but it still klunks.
You learn to live with it.
It's part of the Brembo brake/Anti- lock system. It's a little annoying but normal.
By the way I have new front brakes I installed myself and it's all torqued dead on; it stops like a dream but it still klunks.
You learn to live with it.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 149
Likes: 1
From: Cleveland
Hold the front brake and roll backwards. Let brake go. Roll forward and hit brakes? That the sound? You don't hear it every time becuase it's only after you pulled the pads backwards. There's a little bit of travel front to rear on worn pads. Mine did the same thing. Don't think it does it anymore since I threw pads on. Harmless either way I suppose.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: The Wasteland
Update
Update- I put new EBC brake pads on the front and rear on Friday and I have only heard the sound twice since then. And even the 2 times I heard it, it was very faint. Not sure what the problem was but it seems to have something to do with the pads.
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